University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman has a warning for students, staff and faculty who are citizens of the seven Muslim-majority nations targeted in the U.S. travel ban to stay on this side of the border.
Wildeman issued a statement to students that reads, "We caution undergraduate, graduate students, faculty and staff who are citizens of these seven countries [Somalia, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Libya] against crossing the Windsor-Detroit border until otherwise notified."
The statement reminds students holding visitor visas that a visa does not guarantee passage into the United States.
"U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Officers have complete discretion on whether individuals are permitted entry," states Wildeman.
The travel ban was implemented over the weekend by executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump. The ban is controversial. The State of Washington has filed a lawsuit against it, and Monday night Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she issued a memo expressing doubts the ban was constitutional. Yates ordered government lawyers not to defend the ban.
"I am sure I speak on behalf of the entire University of Windsor community in reaffirming our belief in the importance of treating all people, regardless of their nationality, religion, skin colour, or ability, with respect and dignity," says Wildeman's statement.
In the meantime, the university says it will provide updates as they become available, and general questions can be directed to the International Student Centre.
